forest floor

noun

: the richly organic layer of soil and debris characteristic of forested land

Examples of forest floor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As first reported by Tiny Money, a mason jar is already hidden somewhere on the forest floor in the Blue Ridge Mountains, just off a public hiking trail. Shane Connuck october 9, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2025 On another stretch of forest floor, a tiny mabuya skink darted after the red beam of Ratsimanadino laser pointer. Chris Schalkx, Vogue, 30 Sep. 2025 Unlike the forest floor, where leaves decompose and put nutrients back into the soil, leaves piling up and breaking down can harm your turf. Lauren David, Southern Living, 27 Sep. 2025 Maple and oak leaves blaze in brilliant yellows, fiery reds, and deep oranges, set against the lush green of the forest floor. Taryn White, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for forest floor

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of forest floor was in 1849

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Cite this Entry

“Forest floor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/forest%20floor. Accessed 18 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

forest floor

noun
: the upper layer of mixed soil and decayed or decaying organic material typical of forested land
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